President Clinton will today direct the Secretary of Commerce
and the Secretary of the Interior to develop a plan to permanently protect the
coral reefs of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, which represent nearly 70 percent
of the coral reefs in U.S. waters. The Secretaries will develop the plan over
the next 90 days with public input and in cooperation with the state of Hawaii.

Americas Premier Coral Reefs. The Northwest Hawaiian Islands are
an archipelago of islands over 1200 miles long located west of the main Hawaiian
Islands. They include Nihoa and Necker Islands, French Frigate Shoals, Maro
Reef, and Pearl & Hermes Atoll, and are surrounded by some of the most extensive
and pristine coral reefs in U.S. waters. The reefs extend from near-shore areas
just beneath the ocean surface to a depth of 100 fathoms (600 feet), as much
as 100 miles out to sea.

The coral reef ecosystem encompasses more than 11,000 square kilometers and
is home to a diverse and unique assemblage of fish, invertebrates, birds, sea
turtles, marine mammals and other species found nowhere else on Earth. Federally
protected species include the threatened green sea turtle, the endangered leatherback
and hawksbill sea turtles, and the only remaining population of the endangered
Hawaiian monk seal.

Securing Permanent Protection. The President is directing the Secretaries
of Commerce and the Interior, in cooperation with the State of Hawaii and in
the consultation with the Western Pacific Fisheries Management Council, to develop
recommendations for a new, coordinated management regime to permanently protect
the coral reefs and provide for sustainable use of their resources. A public
outreach process at the outset will include hearings to gather public comments
to help shape the final recommendations.

The Secretaries' plan will:

Assess all ongoing efforts to protect the coral reef ecosystem, including
proposed no-take ecological reserves and the work of the Western Pacific Fisheries
Management Council;

Identify further measures needed to protect the threatened and endangered
species of the ecosystem, including the endangered monk seal, sea turtles,
and short-tailed albatross;

Consider establishment of a framework for scientific research and exploration;

Consider establishment of a framework for recreation and tourism that identifies
appropriate activities and levels consistent with the protection and enhancement
of the ecosystem, and ensures opportunities for sustainable economic activity;

Develop a framework, in cooperation with the State of Hawaii and in consultation
the Western Pacific Fisheries Management Council, for long-term management
of the reefs.